M25 closure near Potters Bar after police incident on 29 July 2026
Drivers diverted from A1005 as officers respond to an incident on the motorway’s southbound carriageway
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The M25 southbound carriageway near Potters Bar was closed for three hours on 29 July 2026 after police responded to an incident. Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed the closure but did not disclose the nature of the incident or whether anyone was injured.
Traffic was diverted onto the A1005, a local route through Potters Bar, between 11:30 and 14:30. National Highways, which manages the motorway, advised drivers to avoid the area during the closure. No alternative routes were formally signposted, though sat-nav systems rerouted vehicles onto surrounding roads.
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Impact on local roads
The diversion added pressure to the A1005, a two-lane road that connects Potters Bar to the M25 at Junction 24. Local residents reported increased congestion on Darkes Lane and The Causeway, though no collisions or further delays were recorded by Hertfordshire County Council.
Barnet Council said it had not been notified of the incident in advance. A spokesperson told This Is Local London that the authority relies on National Highways and police to manage motorway closures. The council has no formal role in diverting traffic during such events.
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What happens next
Hertfordshire Constabulary said it would not release further details of the incident unless charges are brought. The force’s press office confirmed that no arrests had been made by 16:00 on 29 July 2026.
National Highways has not scheduled any follow-up works on the M25 near Potters Bar. Drivers can check the agency’s live traffic updates or local radio stations for future disruptions. Barnet Council advised residents to sign up for its roadworks alert service, though this does not cover motorway incidents.
Questions this report answers
+How long was the M25 closed near Potters Bar?
The M25 southbound near Potters Bar was closed for three hours on 29 July 2026, from 11:30 to 14:30. The closure was due to a police incident, though no further details have been released by Hertfordshire Constabulary.
+Which road were drivers diverted onto during the M25 closure?
Traffic was diverted onto the A1005, a local route through Potters Bar. This caused delays on surrounding roads, including Darkes Lane and The Causeway, though no additional incidents were reported.
+Has anyone been arrested after the M25 incident?
Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed that no arrests had been made by 16:00 on 29 July 2026. The force said it would not release further details unless charges are brought.
+How can residents get updates on future road closures?
Residents can check National Highways’ live traffic updates or local radio for motorway disruptions. Barnet Council also offers a roadworks alert service, though this does not cover incidents on the M25.
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